So, you’ve got the ring (or you’re obsessively refreshing your Pinterest board while subtly dropping hints to your boyfriend). Your mom is already planning the guest list, your aunt won’t stop asking about the dress, and your best friend is drafting potential Instagram captions like it’s an Olympic sport. But between dodging questions about when he’s finally going to propose and perfecting your “OMG I’m so surprised!” reaction for the engagement photos, you might have forgotten one tiny detail, do you two actually like the same things?
Sure, he’s your best friend, your soulmate, the one who knows exactly how you like your coffee. But before you fully commit to a lifetime together, you might want to make sure your hobbies aren’t going to cause World War III in your living room. Here’s how to check if you’re actually hobby-compatible before saying “I do.”
1. Conduct a Netflix Test
If your ideal Saturday night involves binge-watching Bridgerton, and his consists of a four-hour documentary on World War II, you might have a problem. Try finding a middle ground, something that doesn’t make either of you want to gouge your eyes out. (Pro tip: True crime is a weirdly effective compromise. Romance for you, murder for him, win-win!)
2. DIY vs. Buy Debate
Are you the kind of person who sees an overpriced piece of home decor and immediately thinks, “I could totally make that for half the price!” while he’s already adding it to the cart? If yes, be prepared for a future where half-finished projects cover every surface and he secretly reorders the store-bought version when you’re not looking.
3. Assess Your Outdoorsy Levels
Do you picture romantic hikes through breathtaking landscapes, only to realize he defines “nature” as the patio section of a sports bar? If your idea of camping is “glamping” and his involves zero cell service and a tent, it’s time to negotiate terms. (Hint: Find a cabin with WiFi and call it a compromise.)
4. The Board Game Showdown
Game night compatibility is crucial. If you’re a Scrabble queen and he’s a die-hard Monopoly man, one of you is going to end up flipping the board (and questioning the entire relationship). Propose a test run with some games that require teamwork, like Pandemic. If you can survive a fictional global outbreak together, marriage should be a breeze.
5. The Gym Rat vs. Couch Potato Dilemma
Do you wake up at 6 AM for spin class while he firmly believes exercise is carrying all the grocery bags in one trip? If so, prepare for some “babe, just come once!” negotiations. And remember, if he does join, avoid giving him that look when he struggles through a yoga class. You knew what you signed up for.
6. Foodie vs. Chicken Nuggets Enthusiast
Are you dreaming of cooking gourmet meals together while he considers microwaved pizza rolls a food group? You don’t have to love the same foods, but if your idea of “date night” is a new sushi place and his is “Taco Bell drive-thru,” you might want to explore the wonderful world of meal compromises (or invest in separate Uber Eats accounts).
7. Holiday Tradition Alignment Check
Does he start playing Christmas music in October while you’re still mourning the end of summer? Are you a full-blown Halloween fanatic while he’s just here for the candy? Make sure your holiday enthusiasm levels match, or at least agree on how many inflatable decorations are too many.
8. The Social Butterfly vs. Homebody Dilemma
If you love hosting themed dinner parties but his idea of socializing is “sending memes and never making plans,” you need a plan. Consider a balance, maybe one weekend is spent entertaining and the next involves cozy movie nights (as long as you pick something mutually tolerable, see point #1).
9. The Travel Compatibility Check
Do you dream of spontaneous weekend getaways while he thinks vacations require military-grade itineraries? If so, it’s time to determine your travel styles before ending up on opposite sides of the world (metaphorically speaking, of course). Agree on at least one dream destination where you won’t want to strangle each other.
10. Test the “Hobby Swap” Challenge
Want to know if you can truly tolerate each other’s hobbies? Swap them for a day. If he survives an afternoon of crafting without crying, and you make it through a full football game without scrolling Instagram the entire time, you’re on the right track.
Final Thoughts
Look, no couple is perfectly aligned on everything, and that’s okay. (Unless he hates Taylor Swift, then we have a serious problem.) The key is to find a balance between your interests and his so that neither of you ends up feeling like you’re trapped in someone else’s idea of fun.
Now, let’s hear it, what’s the weirdest hobby clash you’ve ever had with a partner? Share in the comments, because let’s be honest, we could all use the entertainment!